VCU (20-5, 8-2 Atlantic 10 Conference) also got 18 points from Melvin Johnson, who hit 8 of 13 shots, including 2 of 4 3-point attempts. Rob Brandenberg added 12 points with four steals — the Rams forced 24 turnovers, including 15 steals, while committing just eight giveaways. VCU entered leading the country with 12 steals and 20.3 turnovers forced per game this season.

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UMass led 42-37 at halftime, but VCU opened the second half on a 21-1 run over the first 8 minutes. The win was VCU's fourth straight.

Raphiael Putney scored 19 points with 10 rebounds to lead the Minutemen (16-7, 6-4). Chaz Williams, seventh nationally with 7.1 assists per game, had seven assists and nine rebounds but also committed six turnovers.